Jobs at NICHD

CDBB supports basic and translational research and training that addresses the typical neurocognitive, psychological, behavioral, physical, and social-emotional development and health of infants, children, and adolescents. The branch explores how individual differences in development, as well as family and other social relationships, are affected by genetic and environmental influences, including emerging societal trends and public health emergencies. The CDBB research portfolio includes studies of the typical development of language, learning, attention, reasoning, planning, problem solving, and concept formation and neurobiological mechanisms in learning disabilities. CDBB also supports basic research to identify the mechanisms by which atypical development and related health outcomes in children and adolescents from diverse backgrounds (e.g., low socioeconomic status, racial/ethnic and language minorities) and subpopulations (e.g., individuals with specific learning disorders) arise from or are differentially affected by genetic and environmental risk/protective factors. The branch uses these findings to inform translational prevention, intervention, and health promotion studies designed to enhance their lives.

CDBB is seeking a chief with broad knowledge of typical and atypical child development and a strong background in health science administration. A candidate with excellent communication and strong leadership skills is expected. The successful candidate will need the ability to define the scientific vision for the branch and find ways to implement that vision through the stimulation of research, research training, and research resources.

This is an important time to join NICHD as we refresh and implement our strategic plan for 2025–30 to shape and advance research in the near- and long-term future, including improving child and adolescent health and the transition to adulthood as scientific research themes. Through implementation of this plan, among other activities, this position allows the successful candidate to help foster research opportunities that will directly affect the field, biomedical science, and public health for years to come.

For additional information about this position, please contact Dr. Rohan Hazra.

NICHD will use a global recruitment program to fill this position. This is a supervisory position. Submissions will be accepted until an applicant is selected. 

NICHD is using a global recruitment program to fill this position. This is a supervisory position. Opening November 18, 2024, and closing November 27, 2024.

• GS-15 Supervisory Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review and Program Officer) (NIH-GR-DE-25-12594010) Open to the Public
• GS-15 Supervisory Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review and Program Officer) (NIH-GR-MP-25-12594671) Merit Promotion for federal employees and other status applicants

DBCAB supports research aimed at deciphering the biological causes of structural congenital anomalies. In addition to studies focused on identifying and elucidating the roles of gene variants, environmental perturbations, and other factors causing structural congenital anomalies, DBCAB supports studies to advance our understanding of the fundamental processes underlying formation and differentiation of the embryo. Major program areas for the branch include early embryonic development and differentiation, biophysics/biomechanics of development, developmental neurobiology, organogenesis, regeneration, regenerative medicine, systems developmental biology, and developmental genetics, including genomic analysis of human structural congenital anomalies. The branch also administers the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program, led by the NIH Common Fund, as well as NIH-wide coordination of research on congenital anomalies.

DBCAB is seeking a chief with broad knowledge of developmental biology, including developmental genomics and systems developmental biology, and a strong background in health science administration. A candidate with excellent communication and strong leadership skills is expected. The successful candidate will need the ability to define the scientific vision for the branch and find ways to implement that vision through the stimulation of research, research training, and research resources.

This is an important time to join NICHD as we implement our strategic plan to shape and advance research in the near- and long-term future, including understanding the molecular, cellular, and structural basis of development. Through implementation of this plan, among other activities, this position allows the successful candidate to help foster research opportunities that will directly affect the field, biomedical science, and public health for years to come.

For additional information about this position, please contact Dr. Rohan Hazra.

NICHD will use a global recruitment program to fill this opening. This is a supervisory position.

FIB encourages, enables, and supports research aimed at alleviating human infertility, uncovering new possible pathways to control fertility, and expanding fundamental knowledge of processes that underlie human reproduction. FIB funds basic, clinical, and translational studies to enhance our understanding of typical reproduction and reproductive pathophysiology, as well as to enable the development of more effective strategies for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of conditions that compromise male and female fertility.

FIB is seeking a chief with broad knowledge of reproductive science, including reproductive biology and medicine, and a strong background in health science administration. A candidate with excellent communication and strong leadership skills is expected. The successful candidate will need the ability to define the scientific vision for the branch and find ways to implement that vision through the stimulation of research, research training, and research resources.

This is an important time to join NICHD as we implement our strategic plan to shape and advance research in the near- and long-term future, including Promoting Gynecologic, Andrologic, and Reproductive Health as a Scientific Research Theme. Through implementation of this plan, among other activities, this position allows the successful candidate to help foster research opportunities that will directly affect the field, biomedical science, and public health for years to come.

For additional information about this position, please contact Dr. Rohan Hazra.

NICHD will use a global recruitment program to fill this position. This is a supervisory position.

SRB is responsible for a broad range of functions related to planning and conducting initial review of numerous types of grant applications and technical merit evaluation of contract proposals in the following areas (in alphabetical order):

• Child development and behavior
• Childhood injury and critical illness
• Demography, social sciences, and population dynamics
• Development and evaluation of contraceptive methods
• Developmental biology and typical and atypical development
• Enhancement of the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals for use in pregnant people, infants, and children
• Gynecologic health conditions, including pelvic floor disorders
• HIV acquisition and transmission, AIDS, and associated infections
• Improvement of women’s health before, during, and after pregnancy
• Intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Male and female fertility and infertility
• Pediatric growth and endocrine research
• Reduction of birth complications and increase of infant survival

SRB seeks a deputy branch chief with expertise in administering the review of grant applications and contract proposals, including the recruitment of extramural scientists to serve as peer reviewers. The successful candidate will be able to employ strong and collaborative leadership and communication skills in managing and coordinating various aspects of SRB, including supervising health scientist administrators and support staff and providing technical leadership and guidance in a major subject-matter area while directing the review activities of the Grants and Contracts Review Panels.

This is an exciting time to join NICHD as we implement our strategic plan to shape and advance research in the near- and long-term future. Through implementation of this plan, the successful candidate will help to foster research opportunities that will directly impact the field, biomedical science, and public health for years to come.

For additional information about this position, please contact Dr. Joanna Kubler-Kielb.

NICHD will use a global recruitment program to fill this opening. This is a supervisory position.

OCR coordinates oversight for NICHD clinical research studies and provides strategic guidance and recommendations to NICHD staff and leadership to optimize science, clinical stewardship, and research oversight within an equity lens and result-based accountability. The office mediates between NICHD and other NIH institutes/centers; federal agencies and offices, such as the Office for Human Research Protections; the research community; and the communities involved in research.

OCR is seeking a deputy director who will serve as a critical advisor for the OCR director on clinical research issues, focusing on policy related to clinical research, clinical trials, and implementation science research, as well as overall clinical trial operations. The incumbent will help the director in overseeing the continuous evaluation of NICHD’s national and international efforts concerning all aspects of clinical research oversight and monitoring. Other responsibilities include developing strategies to respond to all types of unforeseen events in clinical research studies with innovative solutions and providing oversight for human research protections in science research protocols of NICHD-funded studies.

The deputy director will support and coordinate OCR’s four units—Human Subject Protections, Clinical Operations and Inclusion Activities, Clinical Network Operations, and Dissemination and Implementation Science—while collaborating with NICHD offices and branches and other HHS agencies.

Competitive candidates should understand how biomedical and behavioral research is performed and should have clinical research oversight expertise in health research with the ability to provide expert advice and consultation on NICHD initiatives for clinical research studies and clinical trials. Outstanding candidates will have a publication record, prior research experience, and/or evidence of familiarity with current literature in interdisciplinary clinical research, clinical trials, and implementation science research on the health of women, children, and people with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities.

This position requires working both independently and collaboratively and offers opportunities to affect priorities, develop new initiatives, and contribute to the advancement of a national program of research. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and possess a bachelor’s or graduate/higher-level degree with major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences, or allied sciences appropriate to the position’s work.

For additional information about this position, please contact Dr. Andrea Horvath Marques at andrea.horvathmarques@nih.gov with your curriculum vitae.

NICHD will use a global recruitment program to fill this vacancy. This is not a supervisory position.

OCR coordinates oversight for NICHD clinical research studies and provides strategic guidance and recommendations to NICHD staff and leadership to optimize science, clinical stewardship, and research oversight within an equity lens and result-based accountability. The office mediates between NICHD and other NIH institutes/centers; federal agencies and offices, such as the Office for Human Research Protections; the research community; and the communities involved in research.

OCR is seeking a human subject protection and policy adviser who will provide consultation in human research protection, data, and safety monitoring, protocol compliance monitoring, and certificates of confidentiality, in addition to providing scientific and technical staff support for risk assessment, management, and oversight of clinical trials. The incumbent will participate in developing emerging systems for clinical trials, recruitment, and risk oversight and monitoring. Other responsibilities include creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) for extramural researchers based on approved staff SOPs, helping to develop the OCR website to disseminate policy to the extramural research community, and evaluating and providing expert guidance on the Data Safety and Monitoring Plan to NICHD staff.

The successful candidate will work with the office’s four units: Human Subject Protections, Clinical Operations and Inclusion Activities, Clinical Network Operations, and Dissemination and Implementation Science. This position requires working both independently and collaboratively and offers opportunities to contribute to OCR’s growth and advancement.

Competitive candidates are expected to understand how biomedical and behavioral research is performed. They should have clinical research oversight expertise in health research with the ability to provide expert advice and consultation on NICHD initiatives for clinical research studies and clinical trials. Candidates must have professional knowledge of the principles, procedures, regulations, and guidelines for administering research programs and must possess a bachelor’s or graduate/higher level degree, majoring in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences, or allied sciences appropriate to the position’s work. 

For additional information about this position, please contact Dr. Andrea Horvath Marques at andrea.horvathmarques@nih.gov with your curriculum vitae.

NICHD will use a global recruitment program to fill this position. This is not a supervisory position.

GHDB works to improve women’s reproductive health by guiding and supporting gynecologic research and career development programs. The branch portfolio includes studies of healthy functioning endometrium and menstruation, as well as gynecologic disorders including endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, and gynecologic pain. The branch has an interest in pelvic organ prolapse and other pelvic floor dysfunction. Obstetric fistula and female genital cutting, which affect international and U.S. immigrant communities, are also areas of interest.

GHDB is seeking program officers who have a strong background in gynecologic health in women and adolescent girls. Knowledge and experience with basic science methods and topics applicable to the study of gynecologic health and disease, especially endometriosis and/or uterine fibroids, would be a plus. Candidates should have excellent communication and strong collaboration skills.

This is an important time to join NICHD as we implement our strategic plan to guide and advance research in the near- and long-term future. Through implementation of this plan, the successful candidates will be able to shape scientific research opportunities that will directly affect the field, biomedical science, and public health for years to come.

For additional information about the positions, please contact Dr. Candace Tingen with a CV and letter of interest.

NICHD will use a global recruitment program to fill these vacancies. These are not supervisory positions.

IDDB develops scientific initiatives and supports research and research training related to intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). These include common and rare neuromuscular and neurodevelopmental disorders such as Down, Fragile X, and Rett syndromes; inborn errors of metabolism; autism spectrum disorders; and conditions currently and soon-to-be detectable through newborn screening. The branch has a long history of providing support for a diverse portfolio of research projects, contracts, training programs, and research centers dedicated to promoting the well-being of individuals with IDDs at all stages of development.

IDDB is seeking a program officer and a medical officer with research expertise related to neuroscience, including cognitive, behavioral, developmental, or systems neuroscience. Expertise in genetic and/or metabolic disorders that affect cognitive development, especially in pediatric populations, would be desirable. Experience with neuroimaging and/or animal or cellular models of typical and atypical brain development would also be desirable but not required. Candidates should have a solid foundation of training in neuroscience, or in developmental and behavioral psychology.

The incumbent will oversee and coordinate initiatives focused on neuroscience related to intellectual disabilities; serve as a liaison with patient advocacy groups and stakeholders both within and outside the government; and manage a diverse portfolio of grants and/or contracts related to basic neuroscience, intellectual disabilities, metabolic and genetic disorders, and newborn screening conditions. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and in-depth knowledge of the field would be pluses.

This is an important time to join NICHD as we implement our strategic plan to shape and advance research in the near- and long-term future. This position will allow the successful candidate to be at the start of shaping scientific research opportunities that will directly affect the field, biomedical science, and public health for years to come.

For additional information about these positions, contact nichd-der-info@mail.nih.gov with a resume and letter of interest.

NICHD will use a global recruitment program to fill these positions. These are not supervisory positions.

MPIDB supports domestic and international research as well as research training and career development programs related to the epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, transmission, treatment, and prevention of HIV and its complications in infants, children, adolescents, pregnant people, and women. To meet the needs and ongoing challenges of other significant infectious diseases, MPIDB also coordinates research on the epidemiology, natural history, pathogenesis, transmission, treatment, and prevention of congenital infections, such as Zika virus and cytomegalovirus; emerging infectious diseases, such as COVID-19; and vaccine-preventable disease in infants, children, adolescents, and women.

MPIDB is seeking a program officer/medical officer with a background in pediatrics; infectious disease and/or women’s reproductive health, with a special emphasis on HIV/AIDS and other infectious disease pertinent to mother and infant; molecular and developmental immunology; vaccines and pediatric clinical trials. Candidates should also have strong collaborative skills. This position offers a unique and exciting opportunity to provide scientific leadership and administer grants and contracts in support of maternal and pediatric research.

This is an important time to join NICHD as we implement our strategic plan to guide and advance research in the near- and long-term future. Through implementation of this plan, the successful candidate will be able to shape scientific research opportunities that will directly affect the field, biomedical science, and public health for years to come.

For additional information about this position, please contact Dr. Sonia Lee at sonia.lee@nih.gov.

NICHD will use a global recruitment program to fill this position. This is not a supervisory position.

OPPTB promotes basic, translational, and clinical research to improve the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals and other therapeutics, and to ensure centralization and coordination of research, clinical trials, and drug development activities for maternal and pediatric populations. The branch is responsible for implementing and overseeing the NIH portion of the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act of 2002 (BPCA) and its subsequent reauthorizations. The BPCA legislation promotes the prioritization of off-patent drugs that need further study in pediatrics and allows NICHD to sponsor clinical research on prioritized therapeutics and disseminate results to improve drug labeling.

OPPTB is seeking a program officer/medical officer with expertise in supporting activities related to the therapeutic treatment of pregnant and lactating people, neonates, and children. The incumbent may have a variety of backgrounds that relate to this role, such as extensive clinical trial experience, training in using real world evidence for developing clinical practice guidelines, training in maternal-fetal medicine, training in neonatology and/or pediatrics, or research experience in pharmacology and therapeutics as well as medical devices. This position offers unique and exciting opportunities to provide scientific leadership and to administer grants/contracts in support of maternal and pediatric research and clinical trials networks in the United States.

This is an important time to join NICHD as we implement our strategic plan to guide and advance research in the near- and long-term future. OPPTB is heavily involved in completing aspects of the implementation plan submitted by the Task Force on Research Specific to Pregnant Women and Lactating Women (PRGLAC). Through implementation of these plans, the successful candidate will be able to shape scientific research opportunities that will directly affect the field, biomedical science, and public health for years to come.

For additional information about this position, please contact DERInfo at nichd-der-info@mail.nih.gov.

NICHD will use a global recruitment program to fill this position. This is not a supervisory position.

PGNB has a vacancy for a temporary program officer position. The branch serves as the focal point for NICHD’s extramural research in pediatric endocrinology, bone health, and nutrition and their impact on disease prevention. Research topics supported by PGNB have included the study of human milk and its effects on the infant microbiome and growth, bone health in chronic illness, the determinants of peak bone mass, metabolic syndrome, malnutrition, and obesity.

PGNB is seeking a medical officer or health scientist administrator to join the branch as a program officer on a temporary basis (detail assignment). The relatively large endocrinology nutrition portfolio at PGNB includes human milk composition and its effects on growth in infancy, developmental origins of health and disease, and chronic disease effects on bone health.

This is an important time to join NICHD as we implement our strategic plan to shape and advance research in the near- and long-term future. Through implementation of this plan, the successful candidate will help shape research opportunities that will directly impact the field, biomedical science, and public health for years to come.

For additional information or questions about this position, please contact Dr. Karen Winer.

This is not a supervisory position.

PPB supports research to improve the health of women before, during, and after pregnancy; reduce the number of preterm births and other complications; increase infant survival free from disease and disability; and ensure the long-term health of mothers and their children. Specifically, the branch supports grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts for research ranging from basic science to clinical trials.

PPB is seeking a program officer who has a strong background in neonatology, with additional expertise in clinical research, including large, multicenter clinical trials. Candidates should possess strong communication and leadership skills and in-depth knowledge of research in neonatology. This position offers unique and exciting opportunities to provide scientific leadership and to administer grants/contracts in support of research in these areas.

This is an important time to join NICHD as we implement our strategic plan to shape and advance research in the near- and long-term future. Through implementation of this plan, the successful candidate will help shape research opportunities that will directly impact the field, biomedical science, and public health for years to come.

For additional information about this position, please contact Nahida Chakhtoura, M.D., with a CV and letter of interest.

NICHD will use a global recruitment program to fill this vacancy. This is not a supervisory position.

Peter Basser Lab: Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences

Contact: Dr. Peter Basser, Section Head

The Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences has predoctoral and postdoctoral openings in basic and translational magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) research, ranging from porous media nuclear magnetic resonance physics to developing high- and low-field pediatric MRI applications.

Candidates should be Ph.D.- or M.D./ Ph.D.-trained fellows (U.S. or foreign).

Additional required submission materials: Contact information for three references.

Read more at https://www.nichd.nih.gov/research/atNICHD/Investigators/basser/fellowships.

Bezrukov Lab: Section on Molecular Transport

Contact: Dr. Tatiana K. Rostovtseva, Associate Scientist

The Section on Molecular Transport has a postdoctoral position available to study the function and regulation of ion channels on a single-molecule level using a state-of-the-art system of planar lipid membranes and nanopore methodology. This lab examines the functions of beta-barrel channels, such as bacterial and mitochondrial porins, and various exogenous toxins. The project seeks to understand the role of beta-barrel channels in metabolite exchange between cells and cellular compartments. With the lab’s current focus on the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) of the outer mitochondrial membrane, the goal is to improve outcomes of mitochondria-associated diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer's disease by using VDAC as a pharmacological target.

Candidates must be strongly motivated with an interest in ion channel biophysics who is willing to learn single-channel electrophysiology and other biophysical techniques available in the lab; possess a Ph.D. in biochemistry, bioengineering, biophysics, or related fields obtained fewer than 5 years ago; excellent oral and written communication skills; and publications in peer-reviewed international journals.

Additional required submission materials: Bibliography; cover letter with a brief description of research interests and experiences; and list of at least three references, including their mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses.

Read more at https://www.nichd.nih.gov/research/atNICHD/Investigators/Bezrukov/fellowships.

Harold Burgess Lab: Section on Behavioral Neurogenetics

Contact: Dr. Harold Burgess, Section Head

The Section on Behavioral Neurogenetics is recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to study the development and function of neural circuits that control behavioral state transitions. By applying non-invasive optical and transgenic manipulations in zebrafish, the lab ascertains how specific neurons contribute to the initiation and maintenance of distinct behavioral states, and how they may be disrupted in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Ajay Chitnis Lab: Section on Neural Developmental Dynamics

Contact: Dr. Ajay Chitnis, Section Head

The Section on Neural Development has both postdoctoral and post-baccalaureate positions for candidates interested in understanding how signaling and physical interactions between cells coordinate animal development. The lab uses the zebrafish posterior lateral line primordium as a model to understand broader principles of self-organization in development. Fellows will use a combination of cellular, molecular, genetic, biomechanical, live imaging. and computational approaches to understand the development of the posterior lateral line primordium. This includes the use state-of-the-art microscopy coupled with image analysis to characterize the dynamics of cell shape and movement, and/or development of multi-scale computational models to understand the self-organization of cell-fate, morphogenesis, and migration of the lateral line primordium.

Candidates should be dynamic, independent researchers with diverse backgrounds and expertise who have completed their bachelor’s degree (for post-baccalaureate positions) or are within 2 years of having completed their Ph.D. (postdoctoral positions) with strengths in genetics, embryology, cell biology, molecular biology, biomechanics, image processing, bioinformatics and/or computer modelling. Experience with use of zebrafish as a model system and/or specific strengths in mathematical modelling, biomechanics and the physics of living systems are especially welcome.

Read more at https://www.nichd.nih.gov/research/atNICHD/Investigators/chitnis/positions/postdoctoral and https://www.nichd.nih.gov/research/atNICHD/Investigators/chitnis/positions/post-baccalaureate.

Thomas Dever Lab: Section on Protein Biosynthesis

Contact: Dr. Thomas Dever, Principal Investigator

The Section on Protein Biosynthesis has a postdoctoral opening to study translational control by metabolite-sensing upstream open reading frames (uORFs) using diverse systems including yeast, mammalian cell culture, and mouse models. This is an opportunity to gain expertise in a range of techniques, including genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology, and to study an intriguing mechanism of gene expression.

Candidates should have a background in molecular genetics, molecular biology, and/or biochemistry. They should also have either a Ph.D. or M.D. that they earned within 5 years of starting the program.

Additional required submission materials: Contact information for three references and a brief description of research accomplishments and interests.

Alan Hinnebusch Lab: Section on Nutrient Control of Gene Expression

Contact: Dr. Alan Hinnebusch, Section Head  

The Section on Nutrient Control of Gene Expression has a postdoctoral opening to study how signaling pathways and transcriptional and translational control mechanisms are enlisted to alter gene expression in response to nutrient limitation in eukaryotic cells. The lab uses budding yeast and combines classical genetics with systems biology fueled by multi-omics analyses to uncover and elucidate in molecular detail the underlying mechanisms involved.

Additional required submission materials: Contact information for their Ph.D. and postdoctoral mentor(s) and a cover letter describing their expertise and interest in the lab.

Matthias Machner Lab: Section on Microbial Pathogenesis

Contact: Dr. Matthias Machner, Section Head

The Section on Microbial Pathogenesis has a postdoctoral opening to study virulence mechanisms of the bacterium Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease. The lab uses cutting-edge technologies from various fields to determine at a molecular, cellular, and structural level how Legionella can manipulate host cells and cause disease.

Additional required submission materials: Contact information for three references and a cover letter describing expertise and interest in the Machner lab.

Richard Maraia Lab: Section on Molecular and Cellular Biology

Contact: Dr. Richard Maraia, Section Head

The Section on Molecular and Cellular Biology is seeking a postdoctoral fellow for studies involving basic mechanisms of transcription by RNA polymerase III and the control of mRNA metabolism and function, related to human disease. The lab uses a variety of methods and model systems.

Additional required submission materials: A description of training-expertise, interests, goals, and contact information for three references including supervisor.

Doreen Matthies Lab: Unit on Structural Biology

Contact: Dr. Doreen Matthies, Principal Investigator

The Unit on Structural Biology has an open position for a postdoctoral fellow to study the structure and function of membrane protein complexes in their native lipid membrane environment. The lab uses a combination of molecular biology, biochemistry and biophysical methods including electron microscopy (EM), cryo-EM as well as cryo-FIBSEM and cryo-ET to study molecular transport across membranes.

Additional required submission materials: Contact information for two to three references and a cover letter describing their expertise and interest in the Matthies lab.

Katherine Rogers Lab: Unit on Developmental Signaling

Contact: Dr. Katherine Rogers, Principal Investigator

The Unit on Developmental Signaling has a postdoctoral opening to study how developmental signaling is decoded during vertebrate embryogenesis. The lab uses zebrafish embryos and molecular optogenetics to study how cells respond to signaling levels, dynamics, and combinations.

Additional required submission materials: Contact information for two to three references, and a cover letter describing their expertise and interest in the Rogers lab.

Mihaela Serpe Lab: Section on Cellular Communication

Contact: Dr. Mihaela Serpe, Section Head

The Section on Cellular Communication is recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to study the role of trans-synaptic signaling (including by bone morphogenetic proteins) in the development, function, and plasticity of neural circuits that control locomotion. Using a wide variety of approaches, from genetics and cellular and molecular biology to single cell RNAseq and electrophysiology, the lab ascertains how signaling and trans-synaptic interactions contribute to the initial assembly of glutamatergic synapses and enable subsequent activity-dependent plasticity and homeostasis. We use the powerful genetic system Drosophila and focus on highly conserved ionotropic glutamatergic receptors and their auxiliary subunits. Disruptions of signaling networks guiding the formation and homeosis of glutamatergic synapses in our brain lead to neurodevelopmental disorders and neurological diseases.

Additional required submission materials: Cover letter and contact information for three references.

Read more at https://www.nichd.nih.gov/research/atNICHD/Investigators/Serpe/openings.  

Sarah Sheppard Lab: Unit on Vascular Malformation

Contact: Dr. Sarah Sheppard, Principal Investigator

The Unit on Vascular Malformation has a postdoctoral fellowship position available to investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms causing lymphatic malformations. The lab uses cell lines and zebrafish in combination with genetic manipulation, live imaging, and drug screening to understand how these lymphatic malformations form and what therapies may be efficacious.

Additional required submission materials: Cover letter and contact information for three references.

Read more at https://www.nichd.nih.gov/research/atNICHD/Investigators/sheppard/apply.

Roger Woodgate Lab: Section on DNA Replication, Repair, and Mutagenesis

Contact: Dr. Roger Woodgate, Section Head

The Section on DNA Replication, Repair, and Mutagenesis utilizes several model organisms to understand the role of low-fidelity DNA polymerases in genome (in)stability. Current projects include investigating their roles in the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria; the promotion of mutagenesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis; and the DNA polymerase iota in human cells.

Four available fellowship positions within the lab are open to individuals with fewer than 5 years of postdoctoral experience. Successful applicants will be expected to lead their own project as well as to contribute to collaborative research efforts in the lab. They also should have at least one first-authored publication, and a strong background in one, or more, of the following disciplines:

• Protein expression, purification, and characterization
• Cell and molecular biology techniques
• Mammalian cell culture 

Effective oral and written communication skills are required.

Additional required submission materials: Statement of research interests and names of three references. Competitive stipends are determined by the number of years of relevant postdoctoral experience. 

DiPHR participates in several NIH-wide research training programs, including:

• Postdoctoral Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA)
• Graduate Partners Program
• Postbaccalaureate IRTA
• Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research

Visit DiPHR’s Training and Recruitment page to learn more about these programs.

Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Branch (BBB)

Contact: Dr. Neil Perkins, Staff Scientist

BBB has openings for postdoctoral fellows who will work on statistical problems motivated by original population-based studies designed and conducted in DiPHR.

For more information, review the Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Branch Fellowship Opportunities (PDF 200 KB).

Additional required submission materials: Statement of research interests and three letters of reference.

Epidemiology Branch (EB)

Contact: Dr. Jessica Gleason, Staff Scientist

EB has multiple postdoctoral fellowships (PDF 186 KB) available for applicants with a range of analytical, technical, and clinical skills. who want an experience that helps develop skills necessary to conduct independent research. EB’s interdisciplinary program is designed to provide experiences that foster the development of skills necessary to conduct independent research and to cross-train fellows in related disciplines such as reproductive and perinatal epidemiology, endocrinology, pediatrics, genetics, nutrition, and statistics.

Additional required submission materials: Statement of research interests to be pursued during training, three letters of reference, and their transcripts for undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Social and Behavioral Sciences Branch (SBSB)

Postdoctoral Fellowships

Contact: Dr. Denise Haynie, Staff Scientist

SBSB has multiple openings for postdoctoral fellows who will join collaborative multi-disciplinary teams to investigate social, behavioral, and environmental determinants of health and health disparities across the life course. The branch is seeking U.S. or visiting Ph.D. or M.D. fellows.

For more information, review the SBSB Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunities (PDF 168 KB)

Additional required submission materials: Statement of research interests, three letters of reference, and copies of up to three publications.

Postbaccalaureate Training Program

The SBSB postbaccalaureate training program provides recent college graduates an opportunity to spend 1 or 2 years performing full-time research in population health under the mentorship of senior NIH scientists. Postbaccalaureate candidates will join a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team of investigators and research fellows whose research addresses multiple aspects of health, health-related behaviors, and health equity throughout the life course. These research initiatives investigate social, behavioral, biological, and environmental determinants of health and human development and inform development of public health prevention and treatment interventions.

SBSB and the NIH-wide Office of Intramural Training & Education (OITE) provide many career and professional development opportunities on topics ranging from statistical methods, graduate school applications, and wellness. Fellows complete an independent research project and share their work with the NIH community at the annual NIH-wide Postbaccalaureate Poster Day and NICHD scientific retreat. Postbaccalaureate candidates also can present their research at a local professional scientific conference.

Applicants who plan to pursue graduate or professional health-related degree programs (e.g., Ph.D., M.D.) with career interests aligned with SBSB research are recommended to contact SBSB principal investigators to describe their research interests and inquire about openings in their research groups. For more information on postbaccalaureate programs at NIH, please see the OITE website: https://www.training.nih.gov/trainees/postbacs.